Comets, Rangers earn All-Big Eight honors

Thursday

Jun 13, 2013 at 9:15 AM

By Ed Patinoepatino@hillsdale.netQUINCY — Five Hillsdale County seniors were recognized for their contributions to the Jonesville and Reading High School baseball teams.Three players from Jonesville and two from Reading earned All-Big Eight Conference baseball honors for the 2013 season.Brandon Jenkins and Wesley Raker represent Jonesville on the All-Big Eight First Team, while fellow senior Steven Eckardt received honorable mention. Alex Simmons was the lone Reading player to be named to the First Team, while senior Ryan Galloway received All-Big Eight honorable mention.Jenkins was the Comets starting catcher this season. The senior was one of the team's leading hitters and captained the infield. Raker played third base and saw time as a pitcher during the season, and provided another consistent bat in the Comets' lineup. Eckardt also pitched and played first base and was another strong defender in the Jonesville infield.Simmons finished as the leading hitter for the Rangers, finishing with a .392 batting average. He was also Reading's ace pitcher, finishing 5-3 on the season. In the opening game of the season, Simmons threw a no-hitter. Simmons was named the team's Most Valuable Player and earned All-District honors"Alex had to go against the opponent's top pitcher in all the league doubleheaders and did well," Reading coach Rick Bailey said. "He was a three-year starter for us and is just a good all-around baseball player."Galloway led the Rangers in runs batted in and doubles. The first baseman hit fourth in Reading's lineup and hit .342 in Big Eight play. He was named the team's Most Improved Player last year."Ryan had nice season," Bailey said. "Both Alex and Ryan were on the team that won the league last year. We were a lot younger this season, and they both showed good senior leadership."Union City's Brady Johnson was named the Big Eight's Most Valuable Player, while Emmett Fraley and Chris Rieger were also named to the First Team.Concord had three players on the All-Big Eight First Team in Jesse Brigham, Matt DeHaven and Zak Thompson. Homer had four First Team players in Chaz Hopkins, Nate Sitkiewicz, Dylan Thomas and Alex White. Bryce McCavit and Jimmy Strock represent Quincy on the First Team this season.